This Women’s Month, meet inspirational RCS women who are driven as they share how RCS has empowered them on their journeys.
In celebration of Women’s Month, we speak to some of the inspirational RCS women as they share words of encouragement to young South African women.
Tracey-Lee Green: Finance Operations Manager
How has being part of the RCS team empowered you on your journey?
I joined RCS as a Finance Business Partner in 2018, after a career in external audit. Being a part of the RCS team has empowered me through learning about business and subject matter I previously had no exposure to. Today, in my Manager: Finance Operations role, I account for all the interest RCS incurs on our funding lines with the banks and the money that we are able to extend to our customers. I am proud of what I have learnt at RCS, and how I have used this to contribute positively toward our profitability. There is nothing more empowering than learning, growing and feeling proud of what you deliver.
What advice or words of encouragement would you share with young South African women?
I always say be authentic, be yourself. I feel that women need to stop conforming to other people’s expectations. We should choose and live the lives we want for ourselves. Be unapologetically you.
Mapule Pule: Senior Legal Advisor
How has being part of the RCS team empowered you on your journey?
I am empowered to raise my voice, ask questions and be proactively engaged in the business. The demographic of South Africans that RCS serves requires us, in our various roles to be attentive and always treat customers fairly.
Do you have a goal to reach within the RCS organisation?
Team work: I have found that when business understands the processes and procedures, negotiating agreements flows well. As the legal team we aim to continuously collaborate with the business.
What advice or words of encouragement would you share with young South African women?
Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu: We are because of others. As females we need to lift each other up. Wherever you can in your corner of the world, shine and share your light!
Sherona Gallant: Contact Centre Team Leader
How has being part of the RCS team empowered you on your journey?
I started off in telemarketing as a sales agent in 2013, where I was one of the best sales agents. I then applied for a Quality Assurance (QA) position where I have broadened my knowledge to learn so much about various business units and how I as a QA could contribute to the business’ success. While I was hesitant at first, I then applied for the QA Team Leader role and I do not regret my decision. I have learned so much about myself and even though the people aspect of the role was initially challenging, I listened, learned and grew a lot. RCS management, mentors and the HR team have been a great support in my development and journey.
Do you have a goal to reach within the RCS organisation you could share?
I love what I do I am still learning a lot each day about leadership. My goal is to expand my knowledge and end up within the finance space.
What advice or words of encouragement would you share with young South African women?
Don’t be afraid to step up and go for what you want in life. Listen and ask lots of questions when need be. Grab all opportunities that comes your way that can help you broaden your knowledge. It is never too late to learn and make career changes, small or big. My motto: Dress yourself with strength, dignity and honor every single day.
Rachmat Mayman: Head of Customer Service
How has being part of the RCS team empowered you on your journey?
I have been so very fortunate to be part of such a great team led and mentored by phenomenal strong women and men on my RCS journey. They have empowered and encouraged me by valuing my contribution, allowing me to build trust and my self-confidence. Empowerment is a journey, and it while it has many bumps on the path, the RCS team has always been supportive rather than critical of failures. This has encouraged me to learn from mistakes, check, recheck and plan ahead.
Do you have a goal to reach within the RCS organisation?
My goal is to make a difference and to add as much value as I can – play a part in making a difference in the lives of our customers – easy, accessible credit with an amazing aftersales experience for life. I want my teams to know that they are valued by not just paying them lip service, but that they feel meaningfully engaged. The goal is to know how I am performing, that I am empowered, feel accountable for the consequences of my decisions & set up to deliver my best performance.
What advice or words of encouragement would you share with young South African women?
Everything starts with intention, say Bismillah. Be thankful. If you fail, that’s okay; learn from your mistakes and try again. You have a purpose – make it your passion, whatever it is!
Tonia Pavlou – Finance Executive/Deputy CFO
How has being part of the RCS team empowered you on your journey?
RCS offers a collaborative environment. Individuals across teams and roles step in to help each other. We discuss differing views, share our insights, offer guidance and learn from one another. It is in combining these qualities with a focus on our business outcomes that we empower our company and the individuals behind it. This combination is imperative when one works in a fast-paced environment that is both heavily regulated and intrinsically linked to consumers’ changing needs. We each play a part in creating the opportunities to meet those needs, and empowerment is when the individuals in the room want that for our company and for each other, collectively becoming problem-solvers and therein lies greatness.
Do you have a goal to reach within the RCS organisation?
My goal throughout my career has been to learn as much as I can and to make sure that the environment I am operating in is offering that. I thrive in environments where people teach and share their knowledge and where I can do the same. This is the RCS organization I know. My goal is to ensure that I am creating that space for myself and for others. Even though learning may be my preferred avenue of personal growth, I have found that it has also translated into wonderful opportunities in my career. The creation of opportunities is something I encourage and when I can help others, there is an achievement all around.
What advice or words of encouragement would you share with young South African women?
Women bring a lot of strengths to all walks of life. Do not or let others underestimate your own strengths. Be aware of your environments and take considered risks. Step into your bravery without apology. I love Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” You will learn more about yourself by venturing in. Choose constructive avenues for those ventures and recognize your capabilities.
